Ryan Nicholas Leong Wei Ren
Crafting Futures with Curiosity, Creativity, and GenAI
In an age where artificial intelligence is reshaping how we think, learn, and lead, Ryan Nicholas Leong Wei Ren emerges as a pioneer and visionary in UX Design for education. As the Founder of Worldbuilding Adventurers Academy (WAA), Ryan’s influence transcends traditional classroom boundaries. His creative approach integrates design, strategy, and technology to craft learning experiences that are as engaging as they are transformative.
An Early Passion for Purposeful Play
Ryan’s journey began not in a boardroom or classroom, but in the lively energy of childhood gatherings. A naturally curious and compassionate spirit, he would create detective games and immersive showcases to entertain and educate his peers. These early sparks of imagination and a desire to help others laid the groundwork for his professional ethos.
“My career started from a childhood love of making people feel better through fun learning experiences,” Ryan recalls. That vision never left him. As he grew, so did his curiosity—spanning subjects from design and technology to human potential and psychological growth. The consistent message from others that he was “fearless” and “highly creative” became a quiet call to leadership.
Forged Through Adversity
Ryan’s rise wasn’t without difficulty. He battled bullying, childhood cancer, and exploitation by opportunistic business figures. Rather than falter, he developed a growth mindset that turned adversity into resilience. These trials inspired him to innovate, set boundaries, and stay rooted in his self-worth.
“Every challenge,” he reflects, “taught me to transform pain into purpose.” This mindset laid the foundation for the unique learning experiences he would later create through WAA.
Worldbuilding Adventurers Academy: Innovation Meets Impact
WAA isn’t just a company—it’s a movement. Under Ryan’s guidance, the academy has become a launchpad for innovative UX education design. By integrating generative AI with experiential storytelling and embodied learning, WAA delivers programmes that resonate deeply with learners of all ages. From youth and educators to senior professionals, Ryan’s work consistently receives outstanding feedback.
Clients and partners praise the creative formats, emotional depth, and intuitive learning outcomes. As Ryan puts it, “I’m a curriculum wizard; an imagineer creating magic like Disney—turning education into a joyful art form.”
Trusted by Titans, Driven by Vision
Ryan’s crowning achievement so far? Being entrusted by major corporations to reimagine how they educate and engage. His visionary contributions to the education space are helping shape the minds and environments that will define tomorrow.
“Our people are the future,” Ryan states. “Especially in a fast-evolving world, how they learn determines whether we thrive in a protopia or repeat cycles of suffering.” As we enter the Agentic Era of GenAI, his work becomes even more crucial.
Guiding Values that Shape a Leader
Ryan’s path is anchored in three core values:
- Humility: To look beyond ego and seek growth from every experience.
- Antifragility: To turn hardship into strength.
- Moonshot Thinking: To challenge norms and imagine better futures.
These values are reflected in every project, meeting, and innovation—driving not just success, but meaningful progress.
Inspiration Drawn from Legends
Ryan draws strength from iconic figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Walt Disney—visionaries who defied limitations and redefined creativity and potential. One of his favourite quotes is Disney’s: “Do what you do so well that they will want to see it again and bring their friends.”
He lives this by crafting experiences so compelling that learners become ambassadors, returning and bringing others.
A Legacy of Learning and Impact
Asked how he hopes to be remembered, Ryan says: “For revolutionising how we learn and educate future generations.”
His mission extends beyond curriculum design. It’s about enabling people to access their full potential, fostering mental resilience, and using technology as a force for good. Whether coaching CEOs or equipping teachers to navigate the AI era, Ryan’s influence is personal and powerful.
His AI-clone—a digital embodiment of his philosophy—ensures that even beyond his lifetime, his work will continue to educate and inspire. This innovative approach underscores his commitment to creating legacies, not just lessons.
Looking Ahead: GenAI and the Future
With his sights set on becoming a renowned GenAI-Edu Consultant, Ryan is shaping a future where technology, empathy, and education coalesce. His vision includes helping companies design emotionally intelligent, impactful user journeys.
As AI becomes more integrated into life, the demand for intuitive, ethical, and uplifting experiences grows. Ryan’s blend of UX strategy, coaching, and storytelling positions him to lead in this space.
An Invitation to Imagine More
To those following in his footsteps, Ryan offers this advice: “Play the game of grand strategy with patience. Resist fast wins with shallow metrics. Invest in value, rise above politics, and let your authenticity lead.”
Ryan Nicholas Leong Wei Ren is not just shaping the future of education—he’s redefining how we experience learning, how we interact with technology, and how we unlock the brilliance within ourselves. As he continues his journey, one thing is clear: his legacy will be one of courage, creativity, and change.